Social Worker Coordinator

SOCIAL WORKER COORDINATOR - PUBLIC DEFENDER Exempt:
No Department:
Washington and Madison County Public Defender

Reports to:

Leana Houston, Chief Deputy Public Defender Washington County Public Defenders Office 123 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701

SUMMARY:

The incumbent is responsible to develop and coordinate programs designed to assist public defender clients navigate the criminal justice system and assist attorneys to obtain the best possible outcome for each client. These programs will allow us to take a proactive approach to deter criminal activity and other negative behaviors among the client population that we serve and assist people charged with crimes to get assistance.

The incumbent is responsible for supervising all social work interns. Is responsible for interviewing and/or over-seeing the interviewing by interns of Public Defender Clients, gathering all supporting documentation and making service recommendations for each such client.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide Assessments as needed of Public Defender clients to assist attorneys and clients in navigating the criminal justice system to obtain the best possible results for the clients. These assessments may include obtaining collateral information from the third parties, Court Officers, therapists, schools, etc. Evaluate clients' mental health, substance use disorders, housing stability, employment history, educational background, family relationships, physical health, trauma history, military service, and other factors affecting legal outcomes.

Interview clients, family members, treatment providers, employers, educators, medical professionals, and other collateral contacts to obtain information relevant to mitigation and case planning. Assist attorneys in identifying, developing, and documenting mitigating factors for bond hearings, plea negotiations, diversion opportunities, specialty court referrals, sentencing proceedings, and other court-related matters. Prepare written social history summaries, mitigation reports, resource recommendations, and other materials to assist attorneys in advocating for clients.

Develop individualized service plans designed to address client needs and reduce barriers contributing to criminal legal system involvement. Coordinate referrals to mental health treatment providers, substance abuse treatment programs, housing assistance programs, employment services, educational programs, veterans' services, transportation resources, and other community-based services. Assist clients with applications for public benefits, treatment programs, housing programs, identification documents, educational opportunities, and other supportive services.

Provide ongoing case management services and monitor client progress toward identified goals. Assist incarcerated clients with discharge planning, reentry preparation, continuity of care, and connection to community resources prior to release. Maintain regular communication with attorneys regarding client needs, progress, barriers, and recommendations. Collaborate with courts, probation departments, treatment providers, social service agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to improve client outcomes.

Coordinate with the Public Defender Social Work Internship Program in partnership with the University of Arkansas School of Social Work and other accredited institutions as directed by the Public Defenders Office. Recruit, orient, supervise, mentor, and evaluate social work interns and practicum students assigned to the Public Defender's Office. Assign and monitor intern projects, client contacts, resource development activities, research projects, and other educational experiences.

Ensure that interns comply with applicable ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, professional expectations, and office policies. Maintain accurate and timely case records, assessments, referrals, progress notes, service utilization records, internship records, and outcome measures. Collect, maintain, analyze, and report data regarding client services, program outcomes, resource utilization, internship activities, and other performance measures. Assist with grant reporting requirements, program evaluation activities, and preparation of statistical and narrative reports.

Provide supervision and guidance for social work/counselor internships. Maintain licensure to clinically practice independently in the State of Arkansas (LCSW), as mandated by law, and…